While everybody outside of the US has been able to mix and match iPhone and wireless operator, the iPhone was still tied to a single carrier in the US. Today, Verizon and Apple announced the much-hyped Verizon iPhone 4. While the rest of the world collectively yawns, this is good news for American consumers, since there will be more competition, and thus, more choice. Edit: Eh, the other way around. First choice, then competition.

I agree completely. At this point, it's pretty much an emotional response. On the one hand, I'd compare it to the "Go Team!" emotion that people have for their preferred sports team, but I'd say for long-time Apple fans it's probably a bit deeper than that even. Having suffered for so long being adherents to a niche platform always under the heel of Microsoft's domination, Mac fans have been enjoying a brief moment in the sunshine being on top with iOS. So losing the top spot stings a little.